Grow with Glitches

Prof. S. Ramkumar

This is a story of determination, passion and resilience added to professional qualification.

The story of Dr Surya, a lady Veterinarian, who takes up the post of night veterinarian in
Government of Kerala, speaks briefly about how we need to face realities, learn from them,
move stronger and happy facing them. Doing so, the problems shrink in front of the growing
strength and determination of mind. Her friend, family and mentor Dr. Jijesh kumar of
Animal Husbandry Department need special mention in handholding her to cross through
the unforeseen difficult times.

Thought it will be of use to many in any profession, or students completing their course,, to
overcome the uncertain, challenging times in the initial stages of starting a career, through
understanding the scope of opportunities of self-development and service-delivery, and
translating problems to prospects.

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Vet on the move

Dr. Surya Surendran

Doctor... Should I call another Doctor for help?"

These were the few opening words of the farmer when I set foot at the farm, at 2 am, in
response to a call I received seeking urgent assistance for the delivery of their cow.

Within the short span of a few months,

after taking charge as the Emergency Night
Veterinarian with Government of Kerala,
this particular question had become a usual
opening dialogue from the farmers. I would
say in my mind, "You are judging the book
by its cover, let me prove that wrong".

Being a "lady" and my relatively small

physique often tempted them to doubt on
my abilities as a clinician! But some farmers
used to be genuinely concerned, and
sympathize at me as a poor being struggling
to deliver the calves of their dear cows.
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After five long years of devouring the entire curriculum of BVSc and AH from College of
Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad in 2015, my deep desire to become a
field veterinarian (vet) led me to attend the walk-in interview of the Government for the
position of a night veterinarian. I was fortunate enough to be selected and was posted as
the night vet in Pampady block, a beautiful place that lies midway between the backwaters
of Western Kerala and the mountains of the Western Ghats in Kottayam district.

Before landing on this position, most of the vacancies that came across preferred a male
vet. On enquiry, I was told that the odd hours at night won't be a smooth ride for lady vets.
But then, Why? I used to think. Why do you assume that we can't attend cases at night?
Why are we being underestimated? These thoughts often disturbed me and kept me awake
through late nights. Passionate on performing in the field on the treatment of animals,
these hampered my dreams for a while. I was of the notion that we shouldn't be judged or
our abilities doubted (or questioned) due to our gender or physical appearance. So I decided
to take up the challenge along with my dear friend Dr. Sudharma. Also, the constant support
promised by my mentor Dr. Gijesh Kumar, an experienced and popular vet in the region
boosted my confidence.

Pampady never had a night vet before, which made it even nerve-wracking. But with Dr.
Sudharma's help, what seemed like an onerous task became a cakewalk. Eventually, we
started enjoying our work and with each challenging situation and case, came the
confidence to step forward to do more. Since both of us looked younger and smaller than
most people of our age, our abilities were often doubted in initial stages. Some even didn't
hesitate to ask point blank on whether we could really do it! That is what my opening lines
were: “ Doctor... Should I call another Doctor for help?"

After three months, my friend got appointment in another clinic and I decided to continue
as the lone night vet at Pampadi. The knowledge and confidence earned during the few
months added to my asset. Most of the cases that showed up at night are emergency cases
and have to with dealt with utmost care and attention. Being present at the right place, at
the right time is itself a challenge. But convincing a doubtful farmer who expects a” well-
built, experienced (older!) and physically strong Vet” whose physique gives a message that I
am capable of doing it, was more difficult to be in terms with! If you wonder how I knew
what the farmer was expecting; I could sense it from their body language, from their eyes
which seemed like they have lost their last ray of hope! Sometimes the farmers mumbled,
and some frankly expressed their mind.

They would remind me saying," Doctor, it's really difficult to pull out a calf!"," Do you need
help from someone else?" Their concern and lack of trust in me was tangible. Initially,
hearing those words made me feel insecure and weak.

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But gradually with each strenuous case, came a spark that instilled a fire in me. My mind
moved from being worried about the imagined uncertainties of cases I have to attend and
the peaceful nights I would miss, to enjoying the chaotic nights. It was indeed a beautiful
journey, which made me stronger and more resilient. Even now the hurdles are not less,
especially in that village where I work -the electricity that finds joy in playing hide and seek,
the humming mosquitoes which love to make us dance or the unpredictable rain which
comes and goes as it pleases, are just few of the hardships we hurdle through in the
devoted journey of saving lives.

At night, very often, on the other side of each phone call that I receive, I could grasp the
helplessness and the pleading voices of the farmers who toil all day to meet the two ends of
their lives meet. And on rushing to their houses, sometimes my eyes would well up, and
heart hurt s to see the torn and shabby clothes, cracked feet and leaking houses. In the
yellow - often dim - light of the cowshed, I could feel their lips quivering and praying for the
suffering animal. This gives me the strength to do what I am supposed to do in saving their
only source of livelihood. And after I've successfully completed my part, the reward that I
get is the smile on their tired, anxious faces and grateful twinkle of their tired eyes. Most
importantly, the relieved gratitude and love shown by the voiceless poor creatures is so
overwhelming that it gives me the energy, stored to save more suffering animals.

Recently, I was fortunate to receive the best reward that I could ever get in my life!

A calf was named “Radha Surya” after me for helping her come into this beautiful world.
The farmer shared his experience through a Face book post, explaining the night
RadhaSurya was born. That was the day I realized the unmatchable significance of a
veterinarian in this world. Yes, I chose the right path. This is how I always wanted to
contribute to this world. The experience gained during the last couple of months through
Radhasurya; the little calf, Subhadra, 'Kaathu' ;the shy goat, 'Gipsy'; the naughty pup,
'Lakshmi' have taught me patience, faith, love and compassion. It has transformed me into a
better version of myself. Within this short span of time, I got the opportunity to handle a
number of complicated cases like dystocia, uterine prolapse and similar cases in animals
that required emergency attention. That too to do the best against odds in not-so-ideal
conditions of a hospital premises is equally challenging. I know there's more to come, more
challenges to face and more lives to save. So, I strive to be a better vet each day.

I am always indebted to all my colleagues, dear friends, family and farmers for letting me be
myself and encouraging me in my endeavours. It gives me immense pride to share that
there are many lady veterinarians who rose like a Phoenix and is performing excellently in
the field against all social stigmas. Everything converges to this one point ‘Believe in
yourself. Your gender or physical appearance doesn't matter, what really matter is your
heart, and the will to do the things that you strongly believe in. Your deeds speak more
strongly than your words.’
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